General Post

SERIOUSLY STILL THE LAW IN AMERICA?

Once upon a time in America, there was a quirky television show called That’s Incredible. The show examined some of the more bizarre elements of American culture. The show should have delved into the oddest laws still on the books in the United States. Here, we explore the question: Are these seriously still the law???

Cyberspace abounds with lists that describe the strangest laws in America. Are the laws real or just a funny joke played by a hip online prankster? The answer is somewhere in between. Although there is not a law in Maryland that forbids you from taking a lion to the movies, there is a law in Texas that you are prohibited from selling one or both of your eyes.

Who doesn’t want to take a nice warm fluffy lion to the movies or sell an eye if times get tough? According to our crack research at Tryk Law, PC in Fresno, the following is an odd list of laws still on books.

Every state has numerous laws on the books that are considered strange. Why the laws still exist is a matter of intense conjecture. Perhaps the statutes have become lost on dusty bookshelves found in antiquated state capital storerooms or maybe there are a few historians around that enjoy funny jokes told at the expense of the oddest laws still on the books in America.

Let’s look at a few of these strange laws that if you are found breaking, you may have the book thrown at you!

Impersonating a Member of the Clergy (Roll Tide)

Once a year, the State of Alabama splits down the middle in favor of either the Auburn Tigers or Alabama Crimsons Tide. The annual Iron Bowl stokes the flames of school pride, but students and alumni from both schools agree on one thing: The law that prohibits the impersonation of a member of the clergy is downright absurd. If you are caught dressed like the Pope, you face a fine up to $500, as well as one less idea of what to dress like for Halloween. Wait, not even for Halloween???

Your Food Will Be Ready When We Say it’s Ready (No Honking)

Section 18-55 of the Little Rock, Arkansas Code of Ordinances states “No person shall sound the horn on a vehicle at any place where cold drinks or sandwiches are served after 9pm.” Customers of pizza parlors and convenience stores rejoice.

VERDICTS IN THE NEWS – FRESNO INJURY LAW BLOG

Located less the two miles from Midway Airport, the Chicago Lawn neighborhood represents one of 77 community areas geographically defined within the boundaries of the third largest city in the United States. The rapidly changing neighborhood sits between two bustling thoroughfares, interstates 55 and 90. Locals refer to Chicago Lawn as “Marquette Park” in honor of the municipal park that is the cultural and natural main attraction of the community.

Racial demographic changes have dramatically altered the economic base of Chicago Lawn. During the 1960s, Martin Luther King, Jr. led a massive demonstration to promote open housing for every citizen living in the embattled community. King’s march paved the way for decades of racial unrest that boiled under the surface of a neighborhood that also faced a violent reaction to the integration of Gage Park High School. Fear of diminished housing values and the disconnection of ethnic bonds enjoyed by the Lithuanian community sowed the seeds of racial discord that boiled over on October 20, 2014.

Chicago Police Officer Found Guilty – “The Incident”

With trees turning bare and signs of frost clinging to fading grass blades, October 20, 2014 started the same way it usually does on the southwest side of Chicago. At 9:00 pm, Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke clocked in for the graveyard shift at the Chicago Lawn District headquarters. As he and his partner departed Chicago Midway Airport shortly after 9:30 pm, Van Dyke responded to a 911 call that reported a suspect was breaking into pickup trucks parked at 41st Street and Kildare Avenue.

Officer Van Dyke and 17-year Laquan McDonald did know each other, but their lives violently intersected at the corner of 40th Street and Pulaski Road, when officer Van Dyke unholstered his police issued revolver and shot McDonald 16 times. A little more than one year passed before Van Dyke became the first Chicago police officer to be indicted on a murder charge for an on-duty shooting.

The Trial

An emotionally charge trial from day one, the Van Dyke proceedings captured the attention of Americans, as well as racial equality advocates worldwide. Defense counsel presented evidence that Van Dyke defended himself from a knife-wielding McDonald, with the knife introduced into evidence early in the trial. The prosecution countered with the claim that the 16 shots fired by Van Dyke were excessive and unnecessary.

On July 9, 2018, President Donald Trump nominated Judge Brett Kavanaugh to fill a vacant seat on the United States Supreme Court. Nearly three months to the date of his nomination, the United States senate confirmed Kavanaugh’s nomination by the slimmest of margins, 50-48.

After several weeks of questions concerning his legal philosophy and a meticulous review of his judicial record, the senate appeared to be ready to vote on the nomination of Kavanaugh.

That is, until Christine Blasey Ford stepped forward with accusations that made the allegations against Clarence Thomas in 1991 seem pale by comparison.

We had no idea when we wrote a short blog article on Supreme Court Fast Facts on July 16, 2018 that the road ahead would be so bumpy for Justice Kavanaugh. It has been a heck of a ride for him and those who followed. Below is a recap of his nomination, the hearings to follow, the accusations, the aftermath and what the future holds.

THE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST KAVANAUGH

The senate swore in Christine Blasey Ford on Thursday September 27. In testimony that left the jam packed room eerily silent for most of the morning, Ford told the Senate Judiciary Committee that she was “100 percent” sure Brett Kavanaugh assaulted her when they both attended the same high school. The tone of her testimony varied between calm measure and unbridled emotion. Her voice noticeably cracked when she went into details of the assault, which Ford claimed occurred at a suburban Washington D.C. home. Ford stated under oath that Kavanaugh pushed her into a bedroom and attempted to remove her clothing. Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy asked Ford to describe the strongest lingering memory of the incident. “Indelible in the hippocampus is the laughter,” Ford replied. “The uproarious laughter between the two, and their having fun at my expense.”

THE AFTERMATH

Kavanaugh provided his sworn testimony immediately following the bombshell testimony shared by Christine Blasey Ford. Under obvious duress, Kavanaugh lashed out at the Democratic members of the Senate Judiciary Committee. He emphatically stated the hearings were a disgrace to the country and at times, his voice rose in inflection to make his points. At the end of his sworn testimony, Kavanaugh was asked by a committee member if Ford’s allegations were true.

FAST FACTS ABOUT THE UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT

Here, we list some Fast Facts About the United States Supreme Court. The Court chooses the cases it will hear by Oral Argument each term and this is usually consists of less than 100 cases. The United States Supreme Court begins each term on the first Monday in October and lasts until the first Monday in October of the next year.

All United States Supreme Court Justices are nominated by sitting United States Presidents and must be confirmed by members of the Senate. Each member of the Court is appointed for life or until they choose to retire.

The current roster of Supreme Court Justices consists of the following Justices and the Presidents who appointed each of them.

It is fun to celebrate the 4th of July with food, beverages and perhaps fireworks (if they are legal in your area). It is also a time when "one too many" drinks can and will change your life. If you are participating in festivities this 4th of July and have been drinking, remember how easy it is to call an UBER or LYFT to take you home. If you are on the road, be extra aware and cautious of your surroundings.
The 4th of July is a big day for DUI arrests across the country and in Fresno County. It is...

Be especially safe when lighting fireworks this 4th of July if it is legal where you live. Always keep a bucket of water nearby or a water source.
If you do get injured while lighting fireworks, you may not have a legal remedy. Personal responsibility is important to keep in mind. We turn these cases away regularly after the 4th of July each year. If you are hurt or injured, you don't always have a case. If you assume the risks of engaging in a dangerous activity, you are often without a remedy.
Every year, many people are burned or severely injured...

Reflecting on the past few weeks, I can say that I have accomplished some exceptional results for several clients. However, such results don’t always translate to a ton of money for this Fresno Personal Injury Lawyer. This makes no sense, right? All lawyers, especially personal injury lawyers are all about the “dollar”.

In the past week or two, my colleague and I took a case to trial – such a tough one – with no offer. It was John Miser’s first jury trial and he did a great job, despite that. We did not think we had much of a chance to win or even make it close. We argued the case and the jury returned a verdict finding that defendant was negligent by a vote of 10-2.

However, the jury then found that Defendant’s negligence was not a “substantial factor in causing our client’s injury. We will explore post-trial options for this client. Our client is the pastor of a church and an amazing man who was worth fighting for.

We are a Fresno Law Firm with several years of collective experience representing injured people and fighting large insurance companies or corporations responsible. If you have been injured in an accident and suffer from serious injuries, call us today to get an appointment today (559) 840-3240.

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We are located in Northeast Fresno and available to discuss your case over the telephone, in person, at your home, in the hospital or any other locale that you prefer. Attorney Tryk is available around the clock to discuss your case with you in full confidence. Call us today or drop in for a consultation without an appointment during regular business hours, Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.